View Full Version : Glands on Steelhead gills
FastAction
11-22-2002, 11:53 AM
Does anybody know what is on steelhead gills and in their mouth? I never really noticed on clack steelhead, but on the Kalama they have this clear looking parasite on the gills and in the mouth, I have even seen it on the fresh winter fish! I am not sure If I have seen it on salmon. Anybody notice this?
pkg40
11-22-2002, 01:21 PM
I have only seen gill parasites on Summer fish which had spent a lot of time in the river
M W Sheller
11-22-2002, 05:31 PM
I've seen them often on summer fish, in the southern Willamette, on fish that have been in the river for a while. They are the gauge I use, along with tiny black spots on the bellies of otherwise "bright" steelhead, to determine if I want to kill or release. I don't know what they are, though.
SR1 5
11-22-2002, 08:12 PM
I caught a 37" buck this afternoon on the Snake River whose gills were loaded with off-white bumps that I assumed were parasites. It sure didnt look very appetizing but the rest of the fish looked fine including the meat when I cleaned it. I have a non-fishing friend that loves steelhead so I think this one goes to him!
Do they look a bit like sea lice? I see these on kokanee in a few lakes.
no I haven't noticed that. Are you getting into
many winter fish?
Maybe it's time for me to get to my spots on that river.
FastAction
11-23-2002, 12:32 AM
I have got 2, one last week (3or4 lb nate) I was night fishing with Glo Cork and eggs. And 1 12lb buck cromer the week before. Both were chrome as ever and faught well!
FastAction,
Great job!
You are getting a good start. Thanks for the info.
I've been itching to hook up with some winter steelies. I'm glad to here that there showing. I want to be on the run early wile the pressure is light.
Wood N' Fish
11-23-2002, 09:24 AM
Fastaction-------Copepods, the fresh water type, and are parasites. If no one likes the look of them on their fish, release 'em so I can catch 'em! :grin: